Within recent decades, there has been a dramatic increase in immune related disorders, including allergies, autoimmune disorders (diabetes, arthritis), and inflammatory disorders  It is now estimated that one out of every three children born in industrialized countries will develop an allergic disorder. These disorders are now thought to result in part (genetic factors may also be involved) from the presence of abnormal gut bacteria, which stimulate the immune system to release inflammatory substances, when the immune system is not properly primed early in life by normal gut bacteria. This in turn is thought to be related to the increased levels of general hygiene (the “hygiene hypothesis”), the use of antibiotics, and changes in diet associated with modern Western society.

Most people are unaware of the importance of the system that they associate with digestion to immune function.At birth, infants leave the sterile environment of the womb, and their digestive tracts quickly become colonized by bacteria. The process of acquiring normal gut flora at this stage depends heavily on dietary intake (e.g. breast feeding). Once initially colonized by bacteria in infancy, an individual’s gut flora remains remarkably constant throughout the rest of life. This is because the immune system quickly learns to recognize and tolerate the bacteria acquired during infancy, and it is extremely important therefore to acquire a healthy repertoire of bacteria early in life. These gut bacteria communicate with the immune system to programme the latter to respond appropriately during the rest of life, and inappropriate programming at this stage may lead to the development of allergic and inflammatory diseases.

On the above basis, the potential benefits of administering probiotics to infants as early as practicable should be apparent, since healthy gut bacteria acquired in infancy are likely to be the most important determinants of allergies and diseases of chronic inflammation later in life. Breast-feeding is generally recommended during the first 4-6 months of life, and probiotics can be advantageously consumed by mothers during pregnancy and breast-feeding. To this end, infant food formulas manufactured in some European countries contain probiotics Probiotic bacteria restore gut balance by inhibiting the release of inflammatory cytokines, secreting antimicrobial substances (bacteriocins) that inhibit the growth of disease causing bacteria, and enhancing immune system defences
 

Natural levels of probiotic bacteria in the gut may be reduced by aging, poor diet, drinking alcohol, environmental pollution, stress, and certain types of prescription medicines (especially antibiotics).

Kath Ibbetson